Viewers have been left feeling "unsettled" after watching Netflix's new docuseries.
Escaping Twin Flames hit our screens on November 8 and ever since then, people have not been able to stop talking about it.
Telling the story of the sinister inner workings of a cult, the three-part documentary aims to "[pull] back the veil on Twin Flames Universe, a controversial online community that former members accused of preying on people looking for love."
Have a look at the trailer below:In an official press release for the show, filmmakers Cecilia Peck and Inbal B. Lessner opened up about the inspiration behind wanting to tell this unique story.
"We were flooded with messages from people who left high-control groups after releasing our series about the NXIVM cult, and the stories of the survivors and families impacted by Twin Flames Universe emerged as the most urgent to expose," the filmmakers told the streaming platform.
"Escaping Twin Flames is the result of a three-year investigation into the sophisticated recruitment and indoctrination techniques employed by the leaders of this online group," they continued before adding: "We are grateful to those who courageously entrusted us with their firsthand accounts and evidence. We made this series for them and for everyone who has been manipulated or coerced without knowing it."
Despite the show only being available to watch for less than a week so far, hundreds of social media users have taken to Twitter, better known now as X, to talk about how uncomfortable they felt after watching it.
"Escaping Twin Flames is one of the worst cult documentaries I’ve ever seen, pure unsettling evil beyond belief," wrote one user. "I need Jeff and Shaleia behind bars for what they did to those poor women."
"Is anyone else watching the docuseries Escaping Twin Flames on Netflix???" added another. "Definitely worth the watch, it does a great job showing casing how modern cults work and how easy it can be to fall into their trap. Strongly recommend watching."
A third also stated that this documentary made them feel some pretty strong emotions.
"I was initially going to write a funny post about the Escaping Twin Flames documentary, but as I’m deeper into it, I’m so angry and sad for these people. They were searching PTSD groups online looking to recruit… just disgusting and predatory behavior toward vulnerable people."
Replying to the tweet, another branded the docuseries as "unbelievably disturbing."
The conversation online continued, with this Twitter user chiming in to brand it "the scariest and most heartbreaking thing ever."
While the audience reaction has generally been good, the critic reaction also followed suit.
In a review for the show, Chris Vognar of Rolling Stone put his thoughts of the series down after giving it a watch.
"A group like Twin Flames Universe thrives by teaching its minions how to bully and humiliate their fellow charges," he wrote. "Think Lord of the Flies, except set in a video chat room among lonely, emotionally desperate seekers," he continued. "Do the bidding of your overlords or get cast out into that cold, hard world that drove you to the promises of Twin Flames Universe in the first place."
Later on in his piece, he also had some words to say about one of the main cult leaders.
"Jeff, who fancies himself a modern-day Jesus, likes to rant for his webcam: 'I’m not being controlling or domineering! I’m not being a jerk!' Know who doesn’t say things like this? People are aren’t controlling, domineering jerks."
Ain't that the truth.
Joel Keller from Decider also urged his fans to "stream" the show, writing: "There feels like there’s more substance to Escaping Twin Flames than Desperately Seeking Soulmate, or at the very least more testimonials to what Twin Flames Universe was all about and exactly what Jeff and Shaleia Ayan’s grift really was. But it’s worth watching both to get the complete picture of who the Ayans are and just who would join TFU and listen to everything this couple told them to do."
Escaping Twin Flames is now available to watch on Netflix.
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